15.10.10

Handwritten Notes....

I'm taking a page from one of my favorite bloggers (and people!) Meredith.  If you don't follow her over at &Unlimited you are missing out on fabulous photos, a cute dog named Orvis and fun words like 'micnic'.

Once a week she does "Magazine Mondays" ~ this is my version.

My new issue of Martha Stewart Living arrived this week and I was immediately drawn to the section entitled "Worth Doing Well - Thank You Notes".
 Stationery by 4th&Folded, Photo by &Unlimited

Thank-You notes are such a simple way to show gratitude, and in today's digital age I think they have become more meaningful than ever before.  As the article states "How often do you post emails on your fridge or place them in a keepsake box under your bed?"  I'll admit I'm guilty of not sending them nearly often enough.

The author, Abigail Libers, suggests a few quick tips to achieving the perfect thank-you ~

1. Timing - In today's age it is entirely appropriate to send a quick email first if the gift arrived in the mail letting the sender know it arrived safe.  You should always follow up with a handwritten note in a few days.
If you are anything like me, and sending notes promptly is not always the case, don't start the note with an apology, mention it as a PS.  Ex. 'PS. If I had a nickel for every time I thought to send this'

2. Start and End on positive notes, and avoid starting with 'Thank-You' as it shows a lack of imagination.  (I'm guilty of this one too!)  Be specific, include the occasion it was received for and details of how you plan on using the gift.  Its always nice to mention if someone has complimented you on the gift!

3. 'If it came in wrapping paper, you should write a note' - Margaret Shepherd.

My own personal tip, is to have stationery that you love on hand - its much easier to remember to send a note quickly if you don't have to go out searching for the perfect card!  On that note, I think I'm going to go design some -

4 comments:

  1. I totally agree and really enjoyed this post. I think receiving a hand written note is wonderful and I know people really appreciate it, especially since so many people don't do it anymore. I actually just wrote a post on hand written notes myself with some examples of really cute family stationary. Wonderful gifts. In case you want to check out ...
    http://cashmereandcarrotsticks.blogspot.com/2010/09/hand-written-note.html

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  2. I'm totally with you on this one. I recently made a beautiful quilted table runner for my cousin-in-law and never received a thank you note. I hate to say it, but that's the last time I'll put so much effort into a special gift for her. Save it for people who will appreciate it enough to write a note!

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  3. You are absolutely, positively adorable! Also, this week's Magazine Monday (it's a day late!) is citing one of your blog posts for inspiration. That's why I saw this lovely post. (I'm so behind in my blog reading!) Yay!

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  4. Those notes in the picture are absolutely freaking adorable. Just sayin. I love receiving handwritten notes, and I love to send them, too. I am not as good about sending them, so I need to get better!

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